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Farmers angry at new rail crossing charges

NZ Newswire 15/07/2016

Farmers are slamming KiwiRail's proposal for new access charges for private use of level crossings and underpasses.

Federated Farmers disputes KiwiRail's claim the new charges, which are set to include yearly administrative and inspection fees are part of health and safety reforms, saying it believes the charges pre-date the reforms.

The organisation also hit out at the timing of the charges for private use of rail crossings, which come after rental price rises.

"We're appalled at the timing and manner of KiwiRail's activity, particularly as a state owned enterprise," vice-president Anders Crofoot said.

Federated Farmers said farmers were safe and vigilant custodians of stock crossings on rail lines and were working to provide advice on commercial resolutions.